For many, there are few better ways to enjoy a few hours on a sunny day than spending a bit of time on a boat. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a prime fishing spot, finding the wind to sail around, or even searching for a sandbar for a picnic, there’s plenty of great things to enjoy while boating.
We’re very lucky in the US in that there are tons of incredible places to go boating. And, no that’s not just on the coasts, from lakes to rivers to bays, there are incredible boating destinations all over the country to explore.
Here, we’re going to look at some of the top spots to enjoy some time on your boat.
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport has long been known as “the sailing capital of America.” It’s here where the first America’s Cup sailing races took place, and it’s easy to see why. There’s plenty of wind and incredible views of the Newport mansions along the Atlantic coast and inside Narragansett Bay.
Port Townsend, Washington
On the other side of the country, Port Townsend is seen by many as a boaters paradise. Not only will you be surrounded by the beautiful Olympic Mountain range on three sides, but the area is known as a hotbed for marine life. Don’t be surprised to see whales, seals, otters, and porpoises.
Lake Havasu, Arizona
If your main goal of getting on a boat is to be moored in the sun, have a little party with friends and other boaters, and enjoy some music, well Lake Havasu is going to be your dream destination. This is known as one of the prime party spots on the water in the US, and it’s not all that far from the Vegas Strip.
Destin, Florida
Destin is a hot spot for water lovers everywhere. Being able to boat inside the beautiful Gulf of Mexico means quick access to awesome fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and even parasailing. Enjoy tooling around the Intercostal Waterways, and don’t forget to enjoy a few of the Gulf’s incredible sunsets.
Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota
For lake fishing, you cannot do much better than Minnesota’s Lake Minnetonka. Only about 20 miles from the hustle and bustle of Minneapolis, you can’t beat it for a quick and easy escape for a peaceful afternoon on the lake. Bring your rod and reel and try your luck at catching some pike, bass, perch, and walleye.
Lake McConaughy, Nebraska
The famous quote about Lake McConaughy is that the sand is so white and the water so blue you’d think you’re in the Caribbean. The lake itself is about 20 miles long and features over 100 miles of shoreline, giving boaters plenty of space to find a perfect area for an afternoon picnic.
These are some of our favorite boating destinations across the country. Now, the question is, did we miss any? Let us know in the comments what body of water you head to when it’s time to spend an afternoon out on your boat.
